Al Boenker Insurance Blog

Dec 15, 2016

The winter season can bring us joy along with some discontent. For most homeowners, heavy snowfall and icy conditions can cause severe damage to their properties. In order to prevent Mother Nature from putting you in a financial hole, make sure you take the necessary steps to protect your home. Check out these five winter home-keeping tips!

Outdoor Preparation - Frozen pipes are a major risk of damage to your home during the winter. It's important that you cover them properly with heat tape or cushioned sleeves before the temperature drops to prevent any damage. Make sure you also include all of the faucet heads outside in your yard as well as any plants or bushes that you wish to keep intact throughout the winter season.

Roof Care - Snowfall can appear unexpectedly at any time, which is why you need to make sure your roof is prepared to withstand a potential storm. Call a professional to inspect your roof for any leaks or weak spots so that you're guaranteed it can hold together during the season. Also, be sure to clean the leaves out your gutters to avoid any clogging, which can lead to some substantial damage.

Caulk It Up - Even though it's hard to find, there's a good chance that your doors and windows have holes or cracks in the seams. If left unattended, it can leak out hot air, which can cost you a lot of money. Avoid this problem by using caulk to fill up the cracks in these spaces, so the heat can stay in your home.

Remove Potential Hazards - Even if your roof checks out and is ready to go, there are other potential hazards that can cause damage to your home. Remove all overhanging tree branches that could pose a threat if weighted down with snow. It's also highly advised that you out sand or ice in your driveway so that you can safely back your car out without any complications.

Heat Sources - Chimney Fires can be an excellent source of heat during the winter, but it can also pose a serious health and financial hazard. Have your chimney cleaned and inspected before using it to ensure that it will function properly. While you're at it, run some tests on your furnace and home heating system as well to assure that they're running efficiently.

With the change of seasons, it's also a great time to make sure that all of your insurance needs are up-to-date. Give us a call at 1-800-Thanks Al to have an agent make sure that your auto insurance has the right amount of coverage for your family and your needs. We can also ensure that you are getting the best rate for your policy. You might even qualify for additional discounts, especially if you have your home insurance with us.

We hope that these tips find you well and keep you safe during the upcoming months!